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Offices and divisions

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This page includes information about CDHS's county-facing programs, as well as other programs that may affect county clients. Expand each section for program overviews, important updates, helpful links, and contact information. If you see an unfamiliar acronym, check out this list of CDHS's commonly used acronyms.

Adult Protective Services
About the program

​Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state-supervised, county-administered system. Our team is here to support and assist you with the APS data system (CAPS), case consult and technical assistance, training needs and/or answering your general APS-related questions. Statewide county APS programs provide for the safety and protection of at-risk adults who are, or are suspected to be, victims of mistreatment. The County APS programs receive reports of mistreatment, which include physical abuse, sexual abuse, caretaker neglect, exploitation and self neglect; investigate allegations and conduct an assessment of the client’s strengths and needs; and arrange for needed services to reduce risk and improve safety. We look forward to assisting you. Please note, APS staff  can be reached via the contact information below.

Contact information

Policy, case, and general APS questions: cdhs_aps_questions@state.co.us

CAPS password reset or have general CAPS questions: cdhs_aps_caps@state.co.us. Specific requests related to fixes in CAPS, a CAPS Support ticket is still required.

If you need to reach out to one of us directly, here is our direct contact information and our normal days worked:

Stefanie Woodard, Program Director
stefanie.woodard@state.co.us or 303-866-6443 (M-F) 

Kathleen Calderon, Supervisor, APS Policy Unit: County Support & Policy
kathleen.calderon@state.co.us or 303-866-2787 (M-R, 1/2 day F)

Tracy Munson, Lead Policy Specialist: County Support & Policy
tracy.munson@state.co.us or 303-866-4774 (T-F) 

Elena Romero, AR Pilot Planning Specialist
elena.romero@state.co.us or 303-866-2275 (M-F)

Amber Moody, Policy Specialist: County Support & Policy 
amber.moody@state.co.us or 303-866-4237 (T-F) (T-F) 

Nicole Fisher, Policy Specialist: County Support & Policy
nicole.fisher@state.co.us or 303-866-4293 (M-R)

Jason Ornelis, Policy Specialist: County Support & Policy
jason.ornelis@state.co.us or 303-866-4648 (T-F)

Brandi Cordova, Learning & Development Specialist
brandi.cordova@state.co.us or 720-281-2380 (M-F)

Rose Green, Data Specialist, Lead, System Administration & Data Analytics
rose.green@state.co.us or 303-866-5953 (M-R)

Audrey Garcia, CAPS Administrator, System Administration & Data Analytics
audrey.garcia@state.co.us or 303-866-2714 (T-F)

Dan Rivera, CAPS Administrator, System Administration & Data Analytics
dan.rivera@state.co.us or 303-866-3232 (M-F)

Iona Mara-Drita, Elder Justice Act Grant Manager
iona.maradrita@state.co.us or 303-552-6447 (M-F)

Kristi Davison, Program Assistant
kristi.davison@state.co.us or 720-347-5820 (M-F)

Helpful links
Behavioral Health Administration
About the Behavioral Health Administration

The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is a cabinet member-led agency within the State of Colorado, housed within the Department of Human Services, and is designed to be the single entity responsible for driving coordination and collaboration across state agencies to address behavioral health needs.

The BHA's Strategic Plan outlines the BHA's key priorities for the next three years. The plan explains the BHA’s creation, how the BHA works, priorities and key strategies, desired outcomes, and a visual roadmap representing how the BHA will achieve behavioral health care reform in Colorado.

Child Support Services
About the program

The Division of Child Support Services (CSS) works with parents and caretakers to make sure all Colorado kids get the financial support they need to thrive. CSS oversees child support in Colorado. Individual child support orders are managed by Colorado's county child support offices. These offices handle all services connected to the orders set up in their counties and can answer questions about specific situations.

CSS can help with:

  • Setting up a child support and medical (health insurance) order
  • Collecting child support payments
  • Changing an existing child support order
Helpful links

CSS website
Contact information
List of county child support offices 

​​With recent vacancies at DCSS, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind you of your assigned Regional Representatives.

Your Regional Representatives above are your liaison to the DCSS staff and will either directly respond to/resolve your inquiry, need, or question OR ensure that you are directed to the right staff member at DCSS to respond/resolve.
 
The FSR-Support Services Unit also has a Regional Representative model. You can contact these representatives directly for assistance with the following: Employer Services, State Directory of New Hires, Notice Production, and NIVD Accounts.

If you have questions specific to ACSES, please call the ACSES Hotline at 303.866.4501. This line is not answered directly, but all messages are routed to an email received by the Operations Analysts.

Office of Children, Youth and Families
About the office

The Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF) is responsible for the coordination of quality and effective services for Colorado’s most vulnerable children, youth and their families. OCYF includes several programs and divisions: the Division of Child Welfare, the Division of Youth Services, and the Division of Community Programs. The Division of Community Programs includes the following: Colorado Sexual Health Initiative (CoSHI), the Domestic Violence Program (DVP), the Collaborative Management Program (CMP), the Juvenile Parole Board (JPB) and the Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program (TGYS). Additionally, OCYF has the following teams and resources:

  • Legislative and finance staff dedicated to advancing the policy and budgetary priorities of the Office
  • The Colorado Implementation Science Unit (CISU) provides internal capacity to engage in program implementation and evaluation
  • The Pay for Success program, designed to reduce juvenile involvement in the justice system, reduce out-of-home placements of juveniles, and improve on-time high school graduation rates.
  • The Medical Oversight unit oversees the psychiatric and medical care of children and youth involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
  • The communications team works to increase understanding of the Office’s impact, promote prevention services, and encourage Coloradans to help strengthen families.
Download a PDF of the complete Office of Children, Youth and Families org chart
Helpful links

The Division of Child Welfare focuses on strengthening the ability of the family to protect and care for their own children, minimizing harm to children and youth, and ensuring timely permanency planning. When safety is not possible within the family, services focus on the child's need for a stable, permanent home as quickly as possible. 

  • Colorado Heart Gallery Colorado children and youth in foster care who are legally free for adoption and waiting for a family.
  • CO4Kids.org Campaigns for child abuse prevention and foster care recruitment and retention as well as information for professionals.
  • The federal Family First Prevention Services Act allows Colorado to reshape child welfare and provide more proactive services, so more children and teens can grow up with their family. Additionally, across our state, local child welfare agencies will be able to partner with community-based service providers to respond to family needs and provide treatment in a setting that is designed to provide a higher level of care.

The Division of Community Programs (DCP) works to create and elevate a community of practice around the work of the community-facing units within OCYF. These units include:

  • ​The Colorado Sexual Health Initiative (CoSHI) provides youth with age-appropriate, medically accurate and evidence-based strategies that are proven to help reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • The Domestic Violence Program (DVP) primarily focuses on the needs of survivors of domestic violence and their families
  • Juvenile Parole Board (JPB) composed of nine members appointed by the Governor,  promotes public safety by utilizing statutory criteria in the best interest of the juvenile and victim when reintegrating the juvenile into the community.
  • Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program (TGYS) a statutory program providing funding to community-based organizations for prevention and intervention programs for children, youth, and their families working to prevent youth crime and violence, youth alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, student dropout, and child abuse and neglect.
  • Collaborative Management Program (CMP) Colorado's commitment to improving social service delivery systems gave rise to the Collaborative Management Program (CMP). Through this program, local collaborative management structures and processes bring together agencies and services for at-risk, high systems-use children, youth, and families.

The Division of Youth Services ​(DYS) primarily focuses on the needs of Colorado’s youth between the ages of 10 and 21, who are pre-adjudicated, sentenced or committed. DYS operates 15 secure youth centers that serve these youth. In addition to residential programming, DYS administers juvenile parole services throughout Colorado.

Client Services
About Client Services

Client Services processes complaints for CDHS that include concerns with Adult Protective Services, Behavioral Health, Child, Youth and Family, Child Support, Child Welfare, Domestic Violence, Foster Care, Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), Old Age Pension, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Veterans Community Living Centers and more.

Client Services encourages constituents to direct questions or concerns to their local county human services department first. If the constituent has contacted their county regarding their concern, but needs further assistance from the State, they can contact Client Services via one of the following methods: 

How to file a complaint

Complaints can be filed by completing one of the following official complaint forms (preferred method) or by calling 303.866.3275, emailing cdhs_clientservices@state.co.us, or via US mail to 1575 Sherman Street, 8th floor, Denver, CO 80203 ATTN: Client Services.

General complaints

General Complaints may be submitted by completing the online complaint form in English or Spanish

Child welfare complaints

  • Child welfare complaints may be submitted by completing the Child Welfare Complaint Form in English or Spanish
  • Please note the child welfare complaint review process may take up to eight weeks to complete
  • If this is an emergency child protection issue, please call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-264-5437

Client Services reviews the complaints and routes appropriately using an internal resource guide to contacts within CDHS, counties, and other state, county, and community entities. Once complaints are resolved, Client Services is informed that the complaint is closed and tracks this information in a database that is used for tracking and trending purposes. Complaints data is shared with county directors twice a year and CDHS offices on a quarterly basis.

Client Services also encourages counties to post the Complaint Process flier in waiting areas and on county websites to help enhance awareness about how constituents can file a complaint with CDHS.

Other ways to file a complaint

Appeal a finding

To appeal a finding, please contact ​Child and Adult Mistreatment Dispute Review Section (CAMDRS) at 303.866.4546.

Office of Colorado's Child Protection Ombudsman

The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman is required by the legislature to serve as an independent state agency that investigates complaints and grievances about child protection services, seek and recommend system improvements and serve as a resource.

Each county has a Citizens Review Panel that provides a forum for grievances concerning the conduct of county department personnel in performing their duties. Further information is available regarding the Citizen Review process at Conflict Resolution Process (C.R.S. 19-3-211).

Complaints involving the courts and the judicial system

Complaints involving the courts and the judicial system should be made to each respective office. Complaints involving the Guardian Ad Litem, Attorney Special Advocate or Child's Representative should be made to the Colorado Office of the Child's Representative. Complaints about Respondent Parent Attorneys should be made to the Colorado Office of Respondent Parent Counsel.

Contact information

303.866.3275
cdhs_clientservices@state.co.us
1575 Sherman Street, 8th floor, Denver, CO 80203 ATTN: Client Services
 

Early Childhood

As of July 2022, Early Childhood is now its own department. Please visit the Colorado Department of Early Childhood website for more information. There is a lot happening in early childhood. To stay connected, sign up to receive their monthly newsletter.

Division of Economic and Workforce Support (DEWS)
About the program

The Colorado Department of Human Services provides several types of economic and employment assistance through a number of programs.

  • Colorado Employment First ​​The Employment First (EF) program​promotes self-sufficiency and independence by preparing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients and applicants for employment through job-seeking skills training, case management services, credential attainment, work experience, and monthly job search support activities. To be eligible for the EF program, a client must be receiving SNAP benefits or be an applicant for SNAP benefits. The EF program is offered across 26 counties in Colorado, visit our website to find out more about the EF Program Operator (PO) that is serving your county.
     
  • Colorado Works - In Colorado, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a program known as Colorado Works (CW). CW is a Basic Cash Assistance (BCA) program that assists eligible families to become economically and socially independent by encouraging skills development, education, training, job preparation, work, and family stabilization. Eligible families  receive a monthly cash assistance payment, to help with emergency and ongoing household expenses, and/or services such as treatment and therapy, counseling, training, education, coaching and employment assistance. The CW program operates in all 64 counties and is delivered locally through each county's department of human or social services. In addition to monthly BCA, work-eligible clients are referred to engage and participate in CW Workforce Development (WD) program. CW WD provides clients with ongoing case management services, resources and referrals, supportive payments, employment and training opportunities, assessment of family needs, development of Individualized Plans (IP), and credential obtainment.
     
  • ReHire Colorado is a transitional employment program that combines wage-paying work, credential attainment, and supportive services to help individuals successfully re-enter the workforce and Colorado businesses connect with high-quality talent. ReHire serves as a bridge between local job seekers and businesses by supporting a skilled workforce that meets the needs of businesses and strengthens the local economy.
     
  • Colorado's Adult Financial Programs issue a cash benefit to low-income and disabled clients that meet eligibility criteria. Programs include the Aid to the Needy Disabled-Colorado Supplement (AND-CS) program, the Aid to the Needy Disabled-State Only (AND-SO) program, the Burial Assistance Program, the Old Age Pension (OAP) program, the Home Care Allowance (HCA) program, and the Personal Needs Allowance program. Disability Navigator Program supports Aid to the Needy Disabled clients with the process of applying for and/or securing Supplemental Security Income.
     
  • Colorado Refugee Services Program (CRSP) facilitates the effective resettlement of refugees and other eligible populations, promoting their advancement past self-sufficiency and to long-term integration.  CRSP works with partners who provide direct services to refugees and help with navigation for other available benefits and services. Key service areas include case management, workforce development, health and wellbeing, youth services, legal services, and English as a Second Language.
     
  • Colorado Works Subsidized Training and Employment Program (CW STEP) helps connect at-risk populations who are eligible for basic cash assistance from Colorado Works (Colorado's federally funded program providing temporary cash assistance for needy families) with crucial professional work experience and opportunity. Starting in SFY 2022-23, CW STEP will provide services to persons broadly eligible for TANF.
Information Technology

This section highlights information technology updates that pertain to counties.

CDHS County Computer Refresh Program

  • It’s time for another CDHS County Computer Refresh Program, this year, for CBMS Supplemental- an extension of the CBMS Original program which provides devices for county eligibility staff. Similar to the CYF- Child Welfare Computer Refresh Program, the CBMS Supplement Refresh will assist county staff with up-to-date computing technology for efficient and effective service delivery. Read more information here. 

Service Hub Help Desk Ticketing System Information: The new ServiceHub Customer Portal will replace our existing portal as the primary way to request IT services and help from OIT. ServiceHub will launch in late summer/early fall 2023.

 

Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
About the program

The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. Our goal is to help bring warmth, comfort and safety to your home and family by assisting with heating costs.

The LEAP program works to keep our communities warm during the winter (November through April) by providing assistance with heating costs, equipment repair and/or replacement of inoperable heating systems. While the program is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating, we aim to help alleviate some of the burdens that come with Colorado's colder months.

In most cases, the energy assistance benefit is paid directly to the household energy supplier. In most cases, payments are made directly to the primary heating fuel vendor and a notice will be sent to the client informing them of the benefit amount. Other benefits provided by LEAP include repair or replacement of a home’s primary heating system, such as a furnace. The program does not provide financial assistance for any type of temporary or portable heating.

Helpful links

Managing LEAP in your county

Performance Management Division 
About the division

​CDHS's Performance Management Division runs C-Stat, a management strategy that analyzes performance using the most currently available data. C-Stat allows divisions within CDHS to pinpoint performance areas in need of improvement and then improve those outcomes, helping to enhance the lives of the populations that CDHS serves and to provide the best use of dollars spent. Through root cause analysis, CDHS can determine what processes work and what processes need improvement. By measuring the impact of day-to-day efforts, CDHS makes informed, collaborative decisions to align efforts and resources to affect positive change.

If you would like to attend a C-Stat meeting or would like to receive a county C-Stat PAC update, county C-Stat report, or county C-Stat dashboard, please email CDHS_CountyC-Stat@state.co.us. Please note that CDHS is updating its county-facing performance management strategy in coordination with counties. If you are interested in joining in these discussions, please email CDHS_CountyC-Stat@state.co.us.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
About the program

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides food assistance benefits as part of a federal nutrition program to help low-income households purchase food. SNAP is a means-tested benefit program and is broadly available to households with low incomes. SNAP eligibility rules and benefit levels are, for the most part, set at the federal level and uniform across the nation, though Colorado has some flexibility to tailor aspects of it.

Double Up Food Bucks is a program that doubles the value of SNAP benefits at participating farmer’s markets and food retail stores. Learn more about this benefit for Colorado's families, farmers and communities here. 

There are several ways to apply for SNAP benefits:

  • Apply online using the Colorado PEAK website.
  • Apply with a smartphone by downloading the MyCOBenefits app, which is available in the Apple and Android app stores.
  • Print one of the applications below, fill it out and return it by mail, fax or in person to the local county human services office. 
  • ​Apply using the assistance of a SNAP Outreach partner. These partners are contracted with the State to provide support during the process and then submit the application on your behalf.

What happens after an application is returned to the county office?

  • An eligibility technician will begin processing the case as soon as possible to determine if we need to complete an interview or if the household needs to provide any additional information. The county office has up to 30 days to process an application.
  • An interview needs to be completed once every 12 months for SNAP benefits due to federal requirements.
  • If an interview has been completed within the last 12 months, an eligibility technician may attempt to contact clients at the phone number provided on the application or send a letter requesting verification of reported information to clarify the information submitted on application.
  • After approval, clients can view and manage SNAP information and access recertification packets on the PEAK website.

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)

The EBT program, in partnership with a third-party vendor, is responsible for ensuring that SNAP payments authorized by each county department of human services are issued to approved recipients. The EBT program processes payment files for SNAP and multiple cash assistance programs.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed)

SNAP-Ed is the nutrition education and obesity prevention arm of SNAP. SNAP-Ed's goals are to teach Coloradans how to buy and prepare healthy foods on a budget; motivate people to increase their physical activity; introduce kids to fruits and vegetables through nutrition classes, school gardens and healthier school lunchrooms; and make positive and healthy changes in the environments where our families live. SNAP-Ed partners with several statewide nutrition education organizations to reach Colorado families and individuals.

Helpful links

SNAP Outreach

​Through its outreach efforts, SNAP program staff works with state and local agencies, advocates, employers, community and faith-based organizations, and others to reach out to eligible low-income people who are not currently participating in SNAP to share information about the nutrition benefits of SNAP to help them make an informed participation decision.

  • SNAP Outreach Toolkit: Organizations and volunteers may use this toolkit to educate Colorado residents about food assistance and help individuals and families apply. The tool Food Assistance Toolkit includes information and practical tools to help you provide accurate information about food assistance and complete the application process.

Contact the program

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Office of Economic Security
1575 Sherman St., Third Floor
Denver, CO 80203
cdhs_snap_team@state.co.us
Fax: 303.866.5098
TDD: 303.866.6293

State-Tribal Relations
About the program

CDHS is committed to working with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on a government-to-government basis. Each year, CDHS and the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian Tribes engage in formal CDHS-Tribal Consultations, where partners identify priorities and set a strategic direction for collaboration for the upcoming year. Such consultations recognize the unique nature of government-to-government relationships between the State of Colorado and the two federally recognized tribes located within Colorado’s borders; their commitment to collaboration ensures all Coloradans are able to receive effective and efficient health and human services. CDHS remains grateful for the continued relationship with both the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe as well as with the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, and looks forward to strengthening these important relationships.

In addition to working with tribes, CDHS also engages with several partners on American Indian affairs, including Denver Indian Family Resource Center, Denver Indian Center and Denver Indian Health and Family Services.

For inquiries contact: 

Phillip Gover, Tribal Affairs Specialist
phillip.gover@state.co.us
Community Partnerships
Pawnee/Choctaw Nations

CDHS logo

The Colorado Department of Human Services connects people with assistance, resources and support for living independently in our state. Colorado has a state-supervised and county-administered human services system. Under this system, county departments are the main provider of direct services to Colorado’s families, children and adults. For more information about our organization, visit the CDHS organizational structure page.

Our mission

Together, we empower Coloradans to thrive. 

Our vision

To serve Coloradans through bold and innovative health and human services.

Our values

People-first approach. Balance. Accountability. Transparency. Ethical. Collaboration.

Our motto

We're the people who help people.

State of Colorado accessibility statement

The State of Colorado is committed to providing equitable access to our services to all Coloradans. Our ongoing accessibility effort works towards being in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, levels A and AA criteria. These guidelines not only help make web content accessible to users with sensory, cognitive, and mobility disabilities but ultimately to all users, regardless of ability. This website is just part of a meaningful change in making all State of Colorado services inclusive and accessible. We welcome comments on how to improve this site’s accessibility for users with disabilities.

Fill out the CDHS complaint form to report an accessibility issue on this website

View our nondiscrimination notice and request aids and services

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